GOOD ALBANIAN (OTTOMAN) MIQUELET PISTOL, C.1800-EARLY 19th CENTURY

Fine example of elegant proportions reserved for the best quality products of Elbasan, the production center for these unique pistols. See The Arms of Greece and Her Balkan Neighbors in the Ottoman Period, Elgood p.265 for fine example comparable to this and op.cit. 261-264 for further less elegant example of lesser quality. 20 1/4" length, sheathed in profusely engraved brass with white metal “grape clusters" along the back, flanking four raised fins. The 11 3/4" barrel with sighting top flat is chiseled in foliage first half and shows wear, staining and some isolated pitting typical for these. Iron miquelet lock with delicate scalloped edge spring retainer. The stock shows a few superficial blemishes but is complete, and otherwise undamaged.  No sales to California or New Jersey.